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Describe the effect on an enzyme of an increase in environmental temperature

User Ilanit
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Final answer:

Increasing the environmental temperature generally increases reaction rates, but extreme temperatures can affect enzymes and cause denaturation. Enzymes are also sensitive to changes in pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increasing the environmental temperature generally increases reaction rates, including those catalyzed by enzymes. However, extreme temperatures outside of the optimal range can affect the chemical bonds within the active site of an enzyme, making it less well-suited to bind substrates.

High temperatures can eventually cause enzymes to denature, losing their three-dimensional structure and function. Enzymes are also sensitive to changes in pH, and extreme pH values can impair enzyme function.

User John Breakwell
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